Dave's Daily Devo - September 20

When was the last time I heard a message on the “fear of the LORD?” Sermons on grace, love, joy, forgiveness, prosperity, heaven, success, addictions, intimacy, disappointment, and inspiration, but not the “fear of the LORD.” Just say the words and my mind starts playing videos of preachers threatening audiences with hell, fire, and damnation. But as I finish the intro to Solomon’s proverbs, right before he launches into his first father-son talk on the threat of gangs, he hits me with the “fear of the LORD” as the motto of his wisdom school.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, but hardened, impenetrable fools despise wisdom and instruction.” - Proverbs 1:7

When I was learning to fly and I lost track of my airspeed, my instructor would hit me on the back of the head. She was teaching me to have a healthy dose of fear when it came to getting too slow, especially on final. Why? Because if I went below a critical air speed, I stalled, and there would be no chance to recover. I’d have a broken back or worse.

LORD, because You are my Father in heaven, I trust You, and because of Your grace, I revel in the intimacy with You. But help me to remember that You are the awesome God, Creator of heaven and earth, and give me a good dose of fear when it comes to disobeying Your life instructions.